https://arab.news/5gjt6
- Pakistan secured the top team position after winning three gold, three silver and two bronze medals
- Yousef Karami was awarded best coach award while Shahzaib Khan named best athlete for highest score
KHAPLU: Pakistan’s Taekwondo team made history by winning the 6th Asian Open (Khyurogi) Taekwondo Championship held in Indonesia from Oct. 14-17, sports officials confirmed on Friday, with a twin sister duo bagging multiple medals, including gold, silver and bronze.
Twin sisters Manisha Ali and Maliha Ali, hailing from the country’s northern Hunza valley, were part of the team that secured three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals in the championship, which featured over 275 athletes from across Asia, including participants from India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal and Indonesia.
Pakistan emerged as the top team at the event, followed by Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
“Thanks to Allah Almighty, the Pakistan Taekwondo team performed very well and stood as the number one team of this event,” Lt Col (r) Raja Wasim Ahmed, the president of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), told Arab News over the phone.
Pakistani athlete recieves gold medal during the 6th Asian Open (Khyurogi) Taekwondo Championship in Indonesia on October 17, 2014. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Taekwondo Federation/ Raja Wassem)
“They have done their job and given their performances. And if they get such opportunities, they will be able to give even better results,” he said, adding: “There is no dearth of talent among Pakistani athletes. We should support and encourage them to bring pride to our country.”
Manisha defeated Indonesia’s Parmata Sri 4-1 and 8-2 to win the gold medal for Pakistan in the women’s +73 kg category, while her sister Maliha won a bronze medal in the same category.
On the occasion, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation’s executive member Zubair Macha praised the Pakistan team’s performance at the championship.
“Overall, 12 Pakistani players participated in the event held from October 14 to 17. The team brought home a total of eight medals— three gold, three silver, and two bronze— achieving their best result to date,” he added.
“Pakistan also secured the top team position and won the coveted team trophy,” he continued. “Head Coach Yousef Karami was awarded the Best Coach Award, while Shahzaib Khan was named Best Athlete for achieving the highest score in the event.”